group of 20 jobseekers became the first cohort to qualify from Manchester Airport’s new Airport Academy programme this week.
The scheme, run in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group, offers an immersive two-week introduction to working in the aviation industry. It is designed for those who are long-term unemployed, do not have qualifications or have faced challenges getting into stable full-time work.
Prospective employees get the chance to explore the airport through the eyes of a colleague and take part in exercises based on customer service scenarios.
At the conclusion of the programme, candidates take part in workshops teaching them CV writing and interview skills, before conducting a mock interview with representatives from Manchester Airports Group (MAG) and other employers based on site.
After graduating, the Airport Academy team supports candidates with applying for roles on the airport site – with many going on to secure permanent employment.
Previous Airport Academy courses have been tailored to roles where the airport and its partners were looking to recruit, but this is the first course offering a more general grounding to candidates, opening the door to lots of different roles. The Airport Academy team has worked closely with third-party employers based at Manchester Airport to ensure its training is aligned with real recruitment needs. Delivered in collaboration with MAG and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the programme offers free, tailored training for adults who aspire to work at the airport, including accredited aviation and customer service courses.
Marcella M’Rabety, Head of Social Sustainability at Manchester Airport, added:
“The Airport Academy is a key part of our commitment as an organisation to supporting our neighbouring communities and ensuring they share in the benefits of having a major international airport on their doorstep.
“There is such a wide range of career options on offer here, and we’re pleased that this new course, delivered in partnership with Trafford & Stockport College Group, is now providing access to those opportunities for local people who have struggled to find stable full-time employment for a range of reasons.”
Among those taking part was Venus Yarahmady from Stockport. Prior to joining the Airport Academy programme, she had spent 10 years working as a community interpreter on a self-employed basis, but is now looking for a stable full-time job.
Venus said:
“The airport seems like an interesting environment to work in, and I’ve learned a lot of new skills already over the course of the 10-day programme, both in terms of customer service and preparing for interview when applying for roles. It has really helped me increase my confidence.”
Also seeking an airport career is 20-year-old Abdul Pervez, from Longsight. Since leaving school, he has worked part-time as a matchday steward for a local football club – but is now searching for a full-time job.
Abdul said:
“I am fascinated by aviation in general but I’m particularly keen to take up a role in airport security because I think it fits well with my previous work experience in stewarding.
“The Airport Academy course has been a fantastic experience and has taught me a lot – everything from situational training and supporting passengers, down to interview techniques like the ‘STAR’ method. I feel like it has given me the skills I need to apply for the kinds of roles I am looking for.”
